Caroline Nokes
MP for Romsey and Southampton North · Conservative · United Kingdom
“I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his point of order. He will be conscious that there are in the region of 15 more Members wishing to speak in this debate, and we have not yet heard from the Minister, so I am not minded to accept a closure motion at this point.”
“(3) For paragraph (3A) substitute— “(3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with such equipment as is necessary to ensure that relevant persons are able to vote independently and in secret, including— (a) tactile equipment that enables the voter to navigate the ballot paper and accurately mark their chosen candi…”
“(2) During the period commencing 30 minutes before the time appointed for the taking of a poll at an election, and ending 30 minutes after the close of the said poll, a person shall not, in or in the curtilage of a polling station or in any place within 50 metres of such station, for the purpose of promoting the interest of a political pa…”
“New clause 97— Power of Electoral Commission to require disclosure from financial institutions — “In Schedule 19B of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (investigatory powers of Commission), after paragraph 1 insert— “Power to require disclosure from financial institutions 1A(1) The Commission may give a disclosure n…”
“() In paragraph 6 of schedule 6 (Donations from impermissible donors), after “section 54(1)(a)” insert— “or section 55B.” (8) In Schedule 20, in Table after Section 56(3) or (4) (failure to return donations) On summary conviction: statutory maximum or 6 months On indictment: fine or 1 year” Insert— Section 55A(8) (cap on donations) On sum…”
“(2) The specified elections for the purposes of subsection (1) are— (a) UK parliamentary elections, and (b) local government elections in England and Wales.”
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“which are (or are not) to be treated as donations by permissible donors) insert— “55A Cap on donations (1) A permissible donor must not, subject to subsections (3) and (4), directly or indirectly give a donation to a relevant regulated entity that, individually or in aggregate with other donations from that permissible donor in the same calendar year, exceeds £1,000,000 “the donations cap”.”
“on the day of the poll at that election. (1AB) In determining for the purposes of paragraph (1AA)(b) whether an application would have been delivered before the time mentioned in paragraph (1), the registration officer must have regard to— (a) the means of postal delivery used, and (b) any evidence before the registration officer as to the reasonable expectation for the time of delivery by that means”.’ This new clause would require registration officers to accept postal applications for proxy votes in local and general elections in England and Wales, and in general elections in Scotland and Northern Ireland received after the deadline, where there is proof that the application was sent on time for the deadline. New clause 69— Cap on donations — ‘(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows. (2) After section 55 (payments etc.”
“on the day of the poll at that election. (1AB) In determining for the purposes of paragraph (1AA)(b) whether an application would have been delivered before the time mentioned in paragraph (1), the registration officer must have regard to— (a) the means of postal delivery used, and (b) any evidence before the registration officer as to the reasonable expectation for the time of delivery by that means” (3) In regulation 57 (closing date for applications) of the Representation of the People (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001, after paragraph (1) insert— “(1AA) An application for a proxy vote under paragraph 3(1), (6) or (7), 4(3) or 7(4) of Schedule 4 of the Representation of the People Act 2000 for a particular parliamentary election is not to be refused by virtue of paragraph (1) if— (a) the application was sent by post; and (b) the registration officer is satisfied on the basis of a postmark or other proof of posting that the application was posted at such time that it would be a reasonable expectation of the applicant that it would have been delivered before the time mentioned in paragraph (1); and (c) the application was received before 5 p.m.”
“(1AB) In determining for the purposes of paragraph (1AA)(b) whether an application would have been delivered before the time mentioned in paragraph (1), the registration officer must have regard to— (a) the means of postal delivery used, and (b) any evidence before the registration officer as to the reasonable expectation for the time of delivery by that means.” (2) In regulation 56 (closing date for applications) of the Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 2001, after paragraph (1) insert— “(1AA) An application for a proxy vote under paragraph 3(1), (6) or (7), 4(3) or 7(4) of Schedule 4 of the Representation of the People Act 2000 for a particular parliamentary election is not to be refused by virtue of paragraph (1) if— (a) the application was sent by post; and (b) the registration officer is satisfied on the basis of a postmark or other proof of posting that the application was posted at such time that it would be a reasonable expectation of the applicant that it would have been delivered before the time mentioned in paragraph (1); and (c) the application was received before 5 p.m.”
“New clause 68— Deadlines for proxy vote applications sent by post — ‘(1) In regulation 56 (closing date for applications) of the Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001, after paragraph (1) insert— “(1AA) An application for a proxy vote under paragraph 3(1), (6) or (7), 4(3) or 7(4) of Schedule 4 of the Representation of the People Act 2000 is not to be refused by virtue of paragraph (1) if— (a) the application was sent by post; and (b) the registration officer is satisfied on the basis of a postmark or other proof of posting that the application was posted at such time that it would be a reasonable expectation of the applicant that it would have been delivered before the time mentioned in paragraph (1); and (c) the application was received before 5 p.m. on the day of the poll at that election.”
“It would not ban campaigning in native languages of the British Islands such as in English, Welsh, Cornish, Ulster Scots, Irish, et al. Nor would it prevent campaigning via the likes of BSL or Braille.”
“(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable— (a) on summary conviction in England and Wales, to a fine; (b) on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. (5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (2) to prove— (a) that the person took all reasonable steps, and exercised all due diligence, to ensure that the campaign material was not promoted or published contrary to subsection (1), and (b) that the contravention arose from circumstances beyond the person’s control.” This new clause would ban election materials published in a foreign language by political parties and candidates during the short campaign.”
“New clause 67— Language of campaign materials — “(1) During the relevant period campaign material must not be promoted or published in a foreign language. (2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person causes campaign material to be promoted or published that falls within subsection (1). (3) For the purposes of this section— “campaign material” means imprinted election campaign material published by political parties and candidates, whether in hard copy or digital format; “foreign language” means a native language of any foreign country outside the British Islands, other than English; “relevant period” the period after the date on which the candidate becomes a candidate at an election.”
“not to be regarded as donations), for subsection (3) substitute— “(3) Nothing in section 50 or 51 shall have the result that a payment made in respect of the— (a) hire of a stand, (b) hire or sponsorship of a lounge, dedicated space, room, marquee, roundtable event, meal or reception, at or associated with a party conference organised by or on behalf of a registered party is to constitute a donation to the party for the purposes of this Part if or to the extent that the payment does not exceed such of the maximum commercial rates which the Commission determine to be reasonable for such types of activity at a conference.”” This new clause amends the definition of sponsorship for the purposes of PPERA 2000 so that it does not include advertising, marketing, hire of a stand or a space associated with a party conference, where payment is made at commercial rates.”
“(2) In section 51 (sponsorship) after subsection 3 (b) insert— “(c) the making of any payment in respect of advertisements or marketing at a conference organised by or on behalf of a registered party where the payment is made at the commercial rate payable for such advertisements or marketing;” (3) In section 52 (payments, services etc.”
“(2) The matters which the review must consider shall include, but shall not be limited to— (a) the experience of overseas voters at 2024 general election; (b) the impact of the Elections Act 2022 on overseas voters; (c) the number of voters participating from overseas in recent elections in the United Kingdom. (3) The independent review must report within six months of the passing of this Act and be laid before Parliament.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commission an independent review into increasing the registration and participation by overseas electors in UK parliamentary elections. New clause 66— Sponsorship — “(1) The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 is amended as follows.”
“(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must be made under the affirmative procedure.” This new clause would allow the Secretary of State to regulate to introduce a system to allow overseas electors the ability to register to vote when they renew their passport online. New clause 65— Independent review of registration and participation by overseas electors in UK Parliamentary elections— “(1) The Secretary of State must commission an independent review into how to increase the registration and participation by overseas electors in UK Parliamentary elections.”
“(4) Any regulations made under this section must not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to make provision by regulations so that overseas electors can vote in person at United Kingdom embassies, consulates and high commissions for United Kingdom parliamentary elections. New clause 64— Electoral Register: British Nationals Abroad— “(1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, introduce a system to give overseas electors the option to register to vote when they renew their British passport online.”
“New clause 63— Overseas electors: reform to voting process— “(1) The Secretary of State, must, by regulations, make provision to enable overseas voters to vote in person at a United Kingdom Embassy, High Commission or consulate at United Kingdom parliamentary elections. (2) For the purpose of this section, an “overseas elector” is a person who fulfils the requirements for an overseas elector in section 1 (extension of parliamentary franchise) of the RPA 1985. (3) Regulations made under subsection (1) may amend provision made by or under any other Act as necessary.”
“(10) In this section “the 40-day period”, in relation to draft guidance, means— (a) if the draft is laid before one House on a day later than the day on which it is laid before the other House, the period of 40 days beginning with the later of the two days, and (b) in any other case, the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before each House, no account being taken of any period during which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than four days. (11) Returning Officers must have regard to guidance issued under this section in exercising their functions.” This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to prepare, and Parliament to approve, statutory guidance to Returning Officers on the enforcement of the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.”
“(7) If no resolution of the kind mentioned in subsection (5) is made within the 40-day period— (a) the Secretary of State must issue the guidance in the form of the draft laid before Parliament, (b) the Commission must arrange for the guidance to be published in such manner as it considers appropriate, and (c) the guidance comes into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint. (8) The Commission— (a) may from time to time prepare draft revised guidance under this section, and (b) must prepare draft revised guidance under this section if directed to do so by the Secretary of State. (9) References in this section (other than in subsection (1)) to guidance or draft guidance include revised guidance or draft revised guidance.”
“(3) Within 28 days of receipt the draft ballot secrecy guidance, the Secretary of State must lay before each House of Parliament a copy of the draft guidance, either— (a) in its original form, or (b) in a form which incorporates any modifications that the Secretary of State considers necessary. (4) If the draft guidance incorporates any such modifications, the Secretary of State must at the same time lay before each House a statement of the Secretary of State’s reasons for making them. (5) If, within the 40-day period, either House resolves not to approve the draft guidance, the Secretary of State must take no further steps in relation to the draft guidance. (6) Subsection (5) does not prevent new draft guidance from being laid before Parliament.”
“5C Regulations under paragraph 5B are subject to the affirmative resolution procedure.”” This new clause prevents a new political party from applying to be registered with the Electoral Commission if it has assets of more than £250,000 at the time of registration, and to provide the Commission with details of the bank accounts used. New clause 62— Statutory guidance on suspected breaches of the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Electoral Commission must prepare draft guidance for Returning Officers on enforcing the provisions of the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023. (2) Once the Commission has prepared draft guidance under this section, it must submit it to the Secretary of State.”
“(2) In Section 28 (registration of parties) after subsection (3D) insert— “(3DA) A party may not make an application under this section at any time when the total value of the party’s assets is greater than £250,000” (3) In Schedule 4 (applications under part II) after paragraph 5 insert— “5A An application must be accompanied by a declaration containing the details of all bank accounts used by the central party and, where relevant, its accounting units for managing all income and expenditure of the party. 5B The Secretary of State may by regulations set out the information required in a declaration under paragraph 5A following a recommendation by the Electoral Commission.”
“(10) In section 37 (interpretation of part), in subsection (1) after “section 30” insert “or 30A”.” This new clause would require courts to make a disqualifying order alongside court orders imposed to prevent abuse or harassment in cases where the hostility relates to a person protected under the Elections Act 2022. New clause 61— Restriction on registration of parties with assets greater than £250,000— “(1) PPERA 2000 is amended as follows.”
“(7) For the purpose of deciding whether to make a disqualification order the court may consider evidence led by the prosecution and the defence. (8) It is immaterial whether evidence led in pursuance of subsection (6) would have been admissible in the proceedings in which the protection order was made. (9) In this section— “domestic violence protection order” has the meaning set out in section 27 (meaning of “domestic abuse protection order”) of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021; “non-molestation order” has the meaning set out in section 42 (non-molestation orders) of the Family Law Act 1996; “restraining order” has the meaning set out in chapter 3 (protection from harassment) of the Sentencing Act 2020; “presumed” means presumed by the offender.”
“(5) For the purposes of this section an offence is aggravated by hostility related to persons falling within any of sections 32 to 34 if— (a) at the time the order was made, or immediately before or after doing so, the offender demonstrated towards the person for whose protection the order was made, hostility based on the person being (or being presumed to be) a person falling within any of sections 32 to 34, or (b) the abusive behaviour was motivated (wholly or partly) by hostility towards persons falling within any of those sections in their capacity as such. (6) For the purposes of subsection (4) it is immaterial whether or not the perpetrator’s hostility is also based, to any extent, on any other factor not mentioned in that subsection.”
“(3) The court must, when making a qualifying order, also make an order (a “disqualification order”) that the offender is disqualified, for the period in which the qualifying order is in force— (a) for being nominated for election to a relevant elective office, and (b) for being elected to or holding a relevant elective office. (4) Subsection (2) does not apply where the court considers that there are particular circumstances relating to the qualifying order or to the perpetrator which would make it unjust in all the circumstances to make the order; and in such a case the court must state the reasons for not making the order.”
“(2) After Section 30 (disqualification orders) insert— “30A Disqualification orders in connection with court orders relating to abuse or harassment (1) This section applies where— (a) a person (“the perpetrator”) has a qualifying order made against them, (b) the perpetrator was aged 18 or over when the order was made, and (c) the court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that behaviour done to a person for whose protection the qualifying order is made is aggravated by hostility to a person falling within any of sections 32 to 34. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a qualifying order is— (a) a domestic violence protection order; (b) a non-molestation order; or (c) a restraining order.”
“New clause 58— Offences for purposes of Part 5 of the Elections Act 2022: domestic abuse— “(1) Schedule 9 (offences for the purpose of part 5) of the Elections Act 2022 is amended as set out in subsection (2). (2) After paragraph 52A (Online Safety Act 2023) insert— “Behaviour amounting to domestic abuse 52B Any offence where the behaviour of the accused amounted to domestic abuse within the meaning of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (see section 1 of that Act).”” This new clause would add offences amounting to domestic abuse to the list of Schedule 9 offences for which provisions relating to hostility would apply. New clause 59— Disqualification orders for court orders relating to abuse or harassment— “(1) The Elections Act 2022 is amended as set out below.”
“(3) Proposals published under this section relating to a programme of civic education must include civic education in schools and the production of learning materials for adults on topics including— (a) the different electoral systems operation in the UK, and (b) the roles and responsibilities of elected office holders in the UK.” This new clause requires the Government to publish proposals for compulsory voting at UK general elections and local elections in England and proposals for a programme of civic education in schools and the production of learning materials for adults on topics including electoral systems and the roles of elected office holders.”
“(2) Proposals published under this section relating to compulsory voting must include— (a) provision for electors to be able to mark an abstention, either through returning a spoilt or blank ballot; (b) provision for the failure to vote to be punishable through a penalty fine, at a rate to be set by the Secretary of State; (c) provision for certain exemptions to be made for those who are unable to participate in an election, including— (i) those with a physical or mental illness, or disability, (ii) those who are unavoidably absent from the UK, and (iii) those with a sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from participating in the election.”
“New clause 57— Compulsory voting and civic education— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before both Houses of Parliament proposals for introducing— (a) a compulsory duty to vote at UK parliamentary elections and local elections in England, and (b) a programme of civic education in connection with that duty.”
“(4) The plan must set out— (a) the steps that the Secretary of State plans to take to facilitate the registration of persons registered under section 12A of RPA 1983, including the dates by which each step will be completed; (b) when the Secretary of State expects any pilot regulations made under section 20 to be laid before each House of Parliament; (c) a projection of the number of additional persons registered by 15 August 2029 as a consequence of the implementation (in part or in full) of Part 2.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to publish a plan for implementation of registration without an application.”
“New clause 56— Plan for implementation of registration without an application— “(1) The Secretary of State must prepare and publish a plan for the implementation of Part 2. (2) The Secretary of State must comply with subsection (1) within the period of two months beginning with the day on which this section of this Act comes into force. (3) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the plan before Parliament.”
“(7) In rule 6A (nomination papers: name of registered political party), at the end insert— “(4) A registered political party is under a duty to ensure that a candidate has made the declaration required by rule 8A, and a certificate under paragraph (1) or (1B) may not be issued by or on behalf of the registered nominating officer of the party in respect of a candidate unless this duty has been discharged.”’” This new clause would require candidates to declare gifts or benefits worth over £5000, except from immediate family, during the 12 months before nomination to be validly nominated, It also places a duty on parties to ensure candidates have made this declaration before authorising them to stand on their behalf.”
“(5) The conditions are that— (a) the gift or benefit is not being transferred, either directly or indirectly, from any third person; and (b) the gift or benefit is not made or used in connection with the person’s nomination or any other political activity. (6) For the purposes of this rule “immediate family member” means a spouse, civil partner, partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild.”
“(3) For the purposes of this rule, a gift or benefit means— (a) any gift to the person of money or other property; (b) any sponsorship provided in relation to the person; (c) any money lent to the person otherwise than on commercial terms; (d) any money spent in paying any expenses incurred directly or indirectly by the person; or (e) the provision otherwise than on commercial terms of any property, services or facilities for the use or benefit of the person; whether or not made in connection with the person’s nomination. (4) A gift or benefit is not required to be declared under sub-paragraph (1) if it is provided by an immediate family member of the person and the conditions in sub-paragraph (5) are met.”
“(2) After rule 8 (consent to nomination) insert— ‘ Declaration of certain gifts and benefits prior to nomination (1) A person is not validly nominated unless the person makes a declaration stating— (a) whether they have received in the 12 months preceding the declaration, or are currently in receipt of, gifts or benefits from a single source which are individually or cumulatively of a value exceeding £5000 (“a qualifying gift or benefit”); (b) the value of any qualifying gift or benefit; and (c) the source of any qualifying gift or benefit. (2) The declaration must be— (a) in the prescribed form, (b) signed by the person, and (c) delivered at the place and within the time for the delivery of nomination papers.”
“New clause 53— Third party campaigning: meaning of “controlled expenditure”— “(1) Section 85 of PPERA 2000 (controlled expenditure by third parties) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2)(b) substitute “can reasonably be regarded as intended to promote or procure” with “is incurred with a view to promoting or procuring”. (3) Omit subsection (4A).” This new clause would amend the definition of “controlled expenditure” so that expenditure will only be “controlled expenditure” if the intention of a relevant third party is to promote or procure electoral success for registered parties or candidates. New clause 54— Declaration of gifts and benefits— “(1) Schedule 1 to RPA 1983 (parliamentary elections rules) is amended as follows.”
“(5) The Electoral Commission may revise the Campaign Code from time to time, and subsections (1) to (4) apply to a revised Campaign Code as they apply to the original. (6) Electoral advertising as defined in this Part is regulated under the Electoral Advertising Code of Practice and subject to enforcement by the Electoral Advertising Code Committee. (7) This Part applies in relation to elections and referendums for which provision may be made by an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament.” This new clause would establish a Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning. It is connected to NC49 to NC51. The reference in this new clause to “this Part” is a reference to a new Part which would be formed of NC49 to NC51.”
“(3) In this section “political campaigning” means any conduct, communications or other activity which can reasonably be regarded as intended, directly or indirectly, to influence public support for, or opposition to— (a) a registered political party, (b) a candidate or prospective candidate at a general election, by-election, local election or mayoral election, or (c) an outcome in a referendum. (4) Before preparing or revising the Campaign Code, the Electoral Commission must carry out such consultation as it considers appropriate and must in particular consult— (a) representatives of parties appointed to the Parliamentary Parties Panel in accordance with section 4 (parliamentary parties panel) of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and (b) such other persons as the Electoral Commission considers appropriate.”
“(12) Failure to comply with the Campaign Code or the Advertising Code does not of itself give rise to criminal liability.” This new clause is connected to NC49, NC50 and NC52. New clause 52— Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning— “(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish a Code of Conduct for Political Campaigning (“the Campaign Code”). (2) The Campaign Code must set out principles and guidance relating to political campaigning and must in particular include provisions relating to— (a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and (b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.”
“(9) In deciding whether to impose a civil sanction under subsection (8)(e), the Electoral Commission must have regard to— (a) the findings and recommendations of the Committee, and (b) any enforcement action taken in relation to the same conduct under any other enactment. (10) Where the Electoral Commission imposes a civil sanction following a referral from the Committee, it must publish a notice setting out— (a) the nature of the breach, (b) the sanction imposed, and (c) the reasons for the sanction. (11) A person on whom a civil sanction is imposed under subsection (8)(e) may appeal in accordance with the appeal provisions under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.”
“(8) Where the Committee considers that electoral advertising is inconsistent with the Advertising Code, it may take the following steps which it considers reasonable to secure compliance— (a) issuing a notice requiring the person responsible to amend, withdraw or substantiate the advertising within a specified period, (b) publishing a formal finding of non-compliance on its website [and in the repository of political adverts], (c) requiring the publication of a correction, clarification or updated version of the advertising with similar prominence where practicable, (d) notifying relevant online services or publishers and requesting prompt suspension or removal of advertising during the regulated period, and (e) referring repeated or serious breaches to the Electoral Commission to impose civil sanctions in accordance with its powers under Schedule 19C to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.”
“(5) The Committee may, by written notice, require a person to provide information or documents reasonably required for the purposes of investigating a suspected breach of the Advertising Code. (6) A person must comply with a requirement under subsection (5) unless the person has a reasonable excuse. (7) If, on an application by the Committee, a court is satisfied that a person has failed to comply with a requirement under subsection (5), the court may make an order requiring the person to provide the Committee with— (a) information referred to in the notice, and (b) other information which the court is satisfied the Committee requires.”
“(4) The following persons, when engaged in electoral advertising, must comply with the Advertising Code— (a) registered political parties, (b) members of the House of Commons, (c) members of any local authority in any part of the United Kingdom, (d) members of the Greater London Assembly, (e) candidates or prospective candidates at a United Kingdom general election, by-election, local authority election, Greater London Authority election or mayoral election, (f) recognised third parties within the meaning of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and (g) election agents within the meaning of the Representation of the People Act 1983.”
“(2) A registered political party must prepare, publish and keep under review a code of conduct relating to its political campaigning. (3) A code under subsection (2) must be consistent with the Campaign Code and must in particular include provisions relating to— (a) honesty in political debate and reasonable efforts to not mislead voters, and (b) the avoidance of intimidation, harassment or abusive conduct.”
“(12) The Secretary of State must, within the period of 6 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed, carry out a consultation on a levy on registered political parties’ election advertising spend for the purpose of funding the Electoral Advertising Code Committee. (13) In carrying out the consultation, the Secretary of State must consult— (a) the Electoral Commission, (b) representatives of registered political parties, and (c) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.” This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to establish an Electoral Advertising Code Committee. It is connected to NC49, NC51 and NC52. New clause 51— Status of the Campaign Code and enforcement of the Advertising Code— “(1) Persons engaged in political campaigning must have regard to the Campaign Code.”
“(8) In making the appointment, the Electoral Commission must have regard to the need to secure the independence of the Committee. (9) A person appointed as Chair holds office— (a) for a single non-renewable term of five years from the date of appointment, and (b) in accordance with terms and conditions (including as to remuneration and pension) specified by the Electoral Commission. (10) The Chair may resign from office by giving written notice to the Electoral Commission. (11) The Electoral Commission must pay to the Committee the sums determined by the Chair as appropriate for, or in connection with, the carrying out of the Committee’s functions.”
“(4) The Committee is to consist of— (a) a Chair, (b) a member nominated by the Electoral Commission, (c) a member nominated by the Advertising Standards Authority or its successor body, (d) a member nominated by the Office of Communications, and (e) a member nominated by the United Kingdom Statistics Authority. (5) Nothing in this Part limits the powers of the bodies identified in subsection (4) under any other enactment. (6) The Chair is to be appointed by the Electoral Commission following a fair and open competition conducted in accordance with the Public Appointments Code, with a majority of independent members on the assessment panel and a senior independent panel member. (7) The appointment of the Chair requires the consent of the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, which must not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.”
“It is connected to NC50, NC51 and NC52. New clause 50— Electoral Advertising Code Committee— “(1) The Electoral Commission must establish an Electoral Advertising Code Committee (“the Committee”). (2) The functions of the Committee are— (a) to advise the Electoral Commission on the preparation and revision of the Advertising Code, (b) to adjudicate on alleged breaches of the Advertising Code, and (c) to oversee the operation of and monitor the effectiveness of the Advertising Code. (3) In exercising functions under this Part, the Committee must have regard to the importance of freedom of political expression and open democratic debate, and will not determine matters of political opinion unless they fall within the scope of factual claims in electoral advertising.”
“(3) In this section “electoral advertising” means any factual claims in marketing communications, whenever published or distributed, whose principal function is to influence voters in a local, regional, national or international election or referendum. (4) Before preparing or revising the Advertising Code, the Electoral Commission must carry out such consultation as it considers appropriate and must in particular consult— (a) the Electoral Advertising Code Committee, (b) representatives of parties appointed to the Parliamentary Parties Panel in accordance with section 4 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and (c) such other persons as the Electoral Commission considers appropriate.” This new clause would require the Electoral Commission to produce an Electoral Advertising Code of Practice.”
“New clause 49—Electoral Advertising Code of Practice— “(1) The Electoral Commission must prepare and publish an Electoral Advertising Code of Practice (“the Advertising Code”). (2) The Advertising Code must include principles and guidance relating to electoral advertising and must in particular include provisions relating to— (a) ensuring the accuracy of factual claims, (b) the need for relevant and reliable evidence to substantiate factual claims, (c) the need to clearly identify the political party affiliated with an advert, (d) transparency in the use of artificial intelligence, and (e) issuing prompt public corrections to address mistakes.”
“(3) For paragraph (3A) substitute— “(3A) The returning officer shall also provide each polling station with such equipment as is necessary to ensure that relevant persons are able to vote independently and in secret, including— (a) tactile equipment that enables the voter to navigate the ballot paper and accurately mark their chosen candidate without assistance; and (b) audio equipment that enables the voter to access and review the content of the ballot paper in the language in which it is printed without assistance.” (4) After paragraph (3A) insert— “(3AA) For the purposes of paragraph (3A)(b), a person is able to vote independently and in secret only if they are not required to rely on the assistance of the presiding officer, companion, or any other person to navigate, review and mark the ballot paper.”” This new clause would require certain equipment to be provided to people who find it difficult or impossible to vote because they are blind, partially sighted, or because of another disability in order for them to be able to vote independently and in secret.”